On Wednesday, June 30, 2021, College of Charleston Provost Suzanne Austin sent the following message to faculty and staff about the inaugural director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning:

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I am pleased to announce that Dr. Margaret Hagood, Professor of Teacher Education in the School of Education, Health and Human Performance has been named the inaugural Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at the College of Charleston, effective July 1, 2021.

Dr. Hagood earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from the College of Charleston, an M.A. in Reading and Language Arts from Furman University, and a Ph.D. in Reading Education from the University of Georgia. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in elementary and middle grade literacies, focusing on culturally relevant and responsive literacy instruction inclusive of digital literacies and pop culture. She has also regularly taught courses in the Honors College and First Year Experience.

Margaret is the 2015 recipient of the College’s Distinguished Teaching Award and has served on the College’s Advisory Committee for Tenure, Promotion, and Third-Year Review. In expressing her interest in the directorship of our Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, she said “relationship is a crucial variable … in the development of excellence in teaching and learning.” She is committed to working with faculty, both individually and in groups, to foster faculty reflection on teaching and learning, faculty development through collaboration and partnerships across campus, and innovation of curricula.

We are excited that Dr. Hagood has agreed to take on this critical leadership position as Director of the new Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. Her perspectives, scholarly accomplishments and passion for diversity and education will help elevate the College and position our faculty for greater academic distinction and success. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Hagood as she assumes this important new role.

Suzanne Austin
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT and PROVOST
DIVISION OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
COLLEGE of CHARLESTON